Lia Thomas Records: Penn Updates Policy
- The University of Pennsylvania has restored women's swimming records after a U.S.
- As part of the resolution agreement, UPenn agreed to reinstate individual titles and records to female athletes that were affected when male athletes were allowed to compete in...
- The note stated: "Competing under eligibility rules in effect at the time, Lia Thomas set program records in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle during the 2021-22 season."...
Following a title IX violation, the University of Pennsylvania has moved decisively to restore womenS swimming records. This action, spurred by the inclusion of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, reinstates records for female athletes and acknowledges the impact of the situation. UPenn removed Lia Thomas’s name from affected records while providing a note regarding the records set under prior NCAA rules. News Directory 3 reports on the resolution, including the university’s commitment to apologize to athletes and review it’s policies. Discover what’s next for UPenn’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and fairness in women’s collegiate sports.
UPenn Restores Women’s Swimming Records After Lia Thomas Controversy
Updated July 02, 2025
The University of Pennsylvania has restored women’s swimming records after a U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights investigation found the school in violation of Title IX. The violation stemmed from the inclusion of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in women’s competitions during the 2021-22 season.
As part of the resolution agreement, UPenn agreed to reinstate individual titles and records to female athletes that were affected when male athletes were allowed to compete in women’s categories. The university updated its website, removing Thomas’ name from three records set during that season. However, the site included a note acknowledging Thomas’ records under then-existing NCAA eligibility rules.
The note stated: “Competing under eligibility rules in effect at the time, Lia Thomas set program records in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle during the 2021-22 season.” Thomas was the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title, setting multiple program records, including a national title in the 500 freestyle.
According to UPenn’s website,Anna Kalandadze‘s 500 freestyle record of 4:37.21, set in 2024, was restored. Kayla Fu, a freshman, had her 100 freestyle record from 2025 reinstated. Virginia Burns, a former UPenn swimmer, regained her 200 freestyle record of 1:45.51, set in 2017.
The Education Department launched its investigation into UPenn on Feb. 6. The Trump management froze $175 million in funding for the school on March 20 for non-compliance with an executive order. The Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights concluded on April 28 that UPenn violated Title IX in its handling of the Lia Thomas situation.
UPenn agreed to restore records and apologize to female athletes impacted by the violations as a result of the resolution agreement.
Penn President J. Larry Jameson said in a statement that while the university’s policies during the 2021-2022 swim season were in accordance with NCAA eligibility rules at the time, they acknowledge that some student-athletes were disadvantaged. He added that the university recognizes this and will apologize to those who experienced a competitive disadvantage or anxiety because of the policies in effect at the time.
What’s next
UPenn will issue formal apologies to the affected athletes and review its policies to ensure future compliance with Title IX, promoting a fair and equitable surroundings for all student-athletes.